Pope Francis has expressed hope that Muslims can work together with Christians to promote mutual respect.

The pope spoke from his studio window overlooking St. Peter's Square during his traditional Sunday appearance. He said that "our brothers" the Muslims had just concluded their holy month of Ramadan, dedicated to fasting, prayer and alms-giving.

Tens of thousands of Romans and tourists turned out in the square in blistering heat for the papal appearance and blessing.

Christopher000 wrote:I do remember the story of the infamous blessed Mary on a grilled cheese, Jim. Um, ridiculous. Mary is the Queen of Heaven, Jesus is her subservient son, who must do all that she asks of Him, and God, well, Mary is the boss so He just hangs out while she takes charge. Mary has indeed been diefied, and is actively worshipped around the world. They love to use the word "veneration" when confronted, but that does fly...she is worshipped and it's easily proven. There are many disturbing proofs, but just one is the fact that they actually pray to her; attributing powers to her that are reserved for God alone. Praying to Mary, to me, is no different than praying to any other god which basically boils down to Satan himself. Praying to anyone but God is praying to Satan.

I do remember the story of the infamous blessed Mary on a grilled cheese, Jim. Um, ridiculous. Mary is the Queen of Heaven, Jesus is her subservient son, who must do all that she asks of Him, and God, well, Mary is the boss so He just hangs out while she takes charge. Mary has indeed been diefied, and is actively worshipped around the world. They love to use the word "veneration" when confronted, but that does fly...she is worshipped and it's easily proven. There are many disturbing proofs, but just one is the fact that they actually pray to her; attributing powers to her that are reserved for God alone. Praying to Mary, to me, is no different than praying to any other god which basically boils down to Satan himself. Praying to anyone but God is praying to Satan.

In a town down the road from me, a guy said he saw the virgin Mary outlined on the front of the church of the blessed Mary a couple of days ago. Since then, and with RI and MA being predominately Roman Catholic, hoards of people have been flocking to this church with rosaries in hand. People being Interviewed are saying that they see Mary, her cape (headdress, I guess), and holding the baby Jesus. They are saying that she has appeared to call her people back to church.I get so irritated when I hear these stories and see people running like lunatics to witness the "miracles" because they tend to put their faith in everything but Christ, or, everything in addition to Christ instead of looking squarely upon Him.The appearance of the virgin Mary in the face of this church is nothing but a stain that looks like a stain. Also, not to sound crude, but a skeptical neighbor told a reporter that pidgons normally perch themselves above where the image has appeared.

Pope John Paul II said (paraphrasing)..."We are all Christians; Heaven bound...we just have different ways of getting there" as he addressed the world's spiritual leaders in Rome. Those he addressed were Buddists, Shintoists, Muslims, mystics, etc, etc.

Emperor Manual II Paleologos of the Byzantine Empire wrote:Show me just what Muhammad brought that was new and there you will find things only evil and inhuman, such as his command to spread by the sword the faith he preached.

Mike wrote:He do does not enter into the RC cannot be saved, yet he who does not enter in will not be held guilty? It must be another mystery that man cannot comprehend.

I agree brother. It is called double talk and misdirection; all the cults are very good at it; none better than RC. I guess since the pope makes the rules, he can determine what invincible ignorance really is. I remember arguing with an RC apologist one time and he said that because I really understood Catholicism and rejected it, I had excommunicated myself. I guess I was not invincibly ignorant. Best compliment I have ever had.

Frank wrote:--- Pius XII in the encyclical MYSTICI CORPORIS and Pius IX declared (as quoted in FUNDAMENTALS OF CATHOLIC DOGMA, page 312): "By Faith it is firmly held that outside the Apostolic Roman Church none can achieve salvation. This is the only ark of salvation. He who does not enter into it will perish in the flood. Nevertheless equally certain, it is to be held that those who suffer from invincible ignorance of this true religion, are not for this reason guilty in the eyes of the Lord."

He do does not enter into the RC cannot be saved, yet he who does not enter in will not be held guilty? It must be another mystery that man cannot comprehend.

Now I would agree that the Catholics and Muslims are brothers, but to even imply that Christians are brothers to either group is heresy! The pope is simply saying the Muslims misunderstand the RCC so they are not necessarily lost. But their purgatory time will be longer. I saw a photo of John Paul II kissing the Koran, so this isn't new.

Pius XII in the encyclical MYSTICI CORPORIS and Pius IX declared (as quoted in FUNDAMENTALS OF CATHOLIC DOGMA, page 312): "By Faith it is firmly held that outside the Apostolic Roman Church none can achieve salvation. This is the only ark of salvation. He who does not enter into it will perish in the flood. Nevertheless equally certain, it is to be held that those who suffer from invincible ignorance of this true religion, are not for this reason guilty in the eyes of the Lord."